Proposals to build a new A120 dual carriageway between Braintree and the A12 in Essex have received an enthusiastic welcome from almost 100 businesses from across the area.

James Cleverly, MP for Braintree speaking at the A120 event. Picture: PAGEPIX LTD

Business representatives from across Braintree, Saffron Walden, Stansted and south Suffolk gathered at the Essex Golf and Country Club at Earls Colne today to back the case for investment in the new road.

The event was co-hosted by the Haven Gateway Partnership who have been leading the A120 campaign, together with MPs James Cleverly (Braintree), James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) and Kemi Badenoch (Saffron Walden).

They are aiming to keep the plan for the new road at the heart of the Department for Transport’s Roads Investment Strategy 2 (RIS2) which is due to run from 2020-25. The schemes to be included are due to be announced next year, but are expected to be decided by Whitehall officials later this year.

The new route is seen as a vital link between north east Essex and east Suffolk and Stansted airport.

Graphic showing the five original shortlisted routes for the new A120 across Essex. Image: ARCHANT GRAPHICS UNIT

George Kieffer, Chairman of the Haven Gateway Partnership, said: “Once again, our business supporters and MPs have come together to show a united front in the campaign to dual the A120.

“We’re extremely grateful to James Cleverly and James Cartlidge who have shown unstinting commitment to the campaign over the last few years.

“And we are particularly grateful to Kemi Badenoch, who has wasted no time at all since being elected in making herself a key ally as we seek to persuade the Secretary of State for Transport that the A120 must be included in RIS2 next year.”

Mr Cleverly added: “Essex and Suffolk MPs, local government, and businesses have spoken with one voice on the need for investment and improvements to the A120.

“Our collective effort is being noticed by the government and we will continue to work together to deliver this important project.”

There are five possible new routes for the road – Essex County Council is drawing up a preferred route that is likely to be announced in the spring.

In a public consultation last year, Option C was the most popular. However it is also the most expensive – and county council deputy leader Kevin Bentley warned the consultation was not supposed to merely be a popularity contest.